The Brisbane Broncos are back in the NRLW grand final after beating the Gold Coast Titans 20-8 in Sunday’s preliminary final at Cbus Super Stadium. The defending premiers built a 20-4 half-time lead and held on through a patchy second half to set up a decider against the Sydney Roosters. Titans injuries to Sienna Lofipo and Lily Patston left the home side chasing the game without two key players.
Broncos too strong early
The reigning premiers controlled the first half at Cbus Super Stadium, according to ABC Sport’s live coverage. The Titans’ challenge was rocked in the 19th minute when lock Sienna Lofipo was helped from the field after being caught low by Shannon Mato’s knee, later failing a head injury assessment. Destiny Mino-Sinapati also left the field with an ankle problem as Gold Coast tried to stay in touch.
Back rower Lauren Dam burst through Teagan Levi and Georgia Grey to score, and Julia Robinson finished a right-edge move off Deleni Paitai on the stroke of half-time. Halfback Jesse Southwell missed conversions from out wide, but the Broncos still led 20-4 at the break with Tamika Upton organising from fullback.
Titans fight, Broncos hold
Gold Coast lifted after half-time. Fullback Lily Patston produced a try-saving tackle on Teitzel earlier in the match, then left the field for a category-one HIA after a heavy contact from Robinson and was ruled out for the rest of the contest. Evania Isa’ako scored the Titans’ second try when she regathered her own kick off Southwell, with Lauren Brown missing the conversion to leave the score at 20-8 with 14 minutes left.
Brisbane’s scramble defence, including a last-ditch stop from Georgia Grey on Georgia Bartlett, closed the door. The Broncos will meet the Roosters in next Sunday’s NRLW grand final after Sydney beat Canberra 20-10 in Saturday’s other preliminary final.
What it means
Brisbane remain on track to defend their premiership against a Roosters side chasing a perfect season. The Titans’ season ends with serious injury concerns around Lofipo and Patston, while Mino-Sinapati also left the field with an ankle problem during the first half. Further injury updates are expected from both clubs.
This story will be updated if either club issues fresh injury or team news.
